Sometimes I think we have an obsession about pondering over the reasons that France offers such rich, indulgent food but that its population remains incredibly trim.

How do they do it? I can of course come up with a few of my own opinions on the subject, but for the time being I will leave it to the most recent study done by Cornell University Food and Brand Lab.

The study found that despite all those baguettes, brie and accompanying wine, the French stay svelte because they use internal cues — such as feeling full — to know when to stop eating. Americans however use external cues — such as when their plate is clean or the TV show that they are watching is over.

Basically we Americans are mindless eaters. So if you want to truly enjoy French cuisine, without the pounds, maybe it’s time to start listening to what your body tells you.